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Sneakers are quite possibly the most popular type of shoes — and for good reason.
Optimized for performance, sneakers are the ideal footwear choice when it comes to sports and casual wear, and there are literally thousands of options available.
While a huge gamut of sneaker brands, styles, and colors might be appealing to to people interested in being fashionable, the reality is that it can be very hard to keep up with trends.
Sneakers evolve around performance and innovation, so new designs come out all the time. Brands try all kinds of things to make their sneakers look unique and perform well. With that said, the latest and greatest today might be completely undesirable in a few years.
Trends change, but certain sneakers have stood the test of time. A well-designed classic sneaker has the ability to transcend generations and is much bigger than a fad.
If you want a pair of sneakers that won't go out of style after a year or so, pick up one of these timeless classics now.
Adidas Superstar
Originally released in 1969, the Adidas Superstar is one of the longest-lasting classic sneakers. Designed as a premium basketball sneaker that dominated the courts in the 70s, it was first recognized for its fashionable style in the 80s. Still to this day, the iconic shell-toe can be found on the feet of many.
Buy the Adidas Superstar now, $80
Adidas Stan Smith
The Adidas Stan Smith is such an iconic shoe that it will likely live on in the brand's line of products forever. Originally designed for tennis legend Stan Smith, the shoe has become a lifestyle staple. Its simple white leather upper is accented by green on the tongue and heel.
Buy the Adidas Stan Smith now, $60
Nike Air Force 1
The Air Force 1 originally debuted in 1982 as Nike's premier basketball sneaker. It featured a high top strapped design and quickly became a popular style choice thereafter. The classic silhouette makes way for endless design and colorway options. Over its more than 30 years of existence, there have been a handful of special editions and collaborations, but the all-white color remains a classic, as it can be worn with anything.
Buy the Nike Air Force 1 Low now, $90
Air Jordan 1 High
The Air Jordan 1 is largely responsible for modern-day sneaker enthusiasm. In 1985, a time where most sneakers were white, Michael Jordan changed the game with a pair of black and red sneakers that he wore against NBA rules. Instead of conforming to the rules, Nike happily paid the fine and continued to put out many great colorways for fans to wear and collect.
Air Jordan 1 High, $94.97 (Originally $160)
Puma Suede Classic
The Puma Suede Classic is easily the most popular design the brand has ever made, and that can be attributed to its amazing quality and style. As the name suggests, the sneakers feature a rich suede upper. Additional details such as gold flake brand accents make the shoes a timeless design.
Puma Suede Classic, $65
Converse Chuck Taylor
It almost goes without saying that the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars are a classic. As simple as the canvas design is today, it was once a premium basketball sneaker. The shoe is so popular, it once was a the military-issued footwear for soldiers to use recreationally. Today, pretty much every person you know, no matter how young or old, has owned a pair of All-Stars before.
Buy the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star now, $55
Vans Authentic
Vans has a heritage that runs deep in Southern California skate and surf culture. The Authentic was once the go-to skate shoe in the 60s, but while its technology has since become outdated, the style remains. It features a durable canvas upper, metal eyelets, and a waffle outsole.
Vans Authentic, $50
Amir Ismael Editor, Insider Reviews Amir Ismael is an editor for Insider Reviews, Insider's e-commerce branch of the service journalism team. As a collector of sneakers and fashion, Amir is passionate about all things related to style. He's covered everything including the industry's shift to producing more sustainable clothing, the most comfortable loungewear, all of the best places to shop for affordable business casual attire, and more. He's used his expertise in footwear and the footwear industry to review all kinds of shoes from sportswear giants, well-known casual brands, and startups. Amir's coverage also includes eyewear, watches, and grooming products like electric razors and men's skincare. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Amir has led Insider Reviews' face masks coverage with thoughtful recommendations based on CDC guidelines, expert opinions, and his own testing. During his time at Insider, Amir previously handled deals of the day coverage, and worked as a generalist writing hundreds of reviews ranging from phone cases and headphones to bed sheets and blenders, and has also covered major shopping holidays including Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Before joining the Insider Reviews team in 2017, worked as a freelance writer for Complex Sneakers and Sole Collector where he contributed to daily sneaker news and release dates, feature-length articles, and interviews with artists, designers, and athletes. Amir graduated from William Paterson University in 2015 with a degree in journalism and public relations. Say hello to Amir at aismael@businessinsider.com or on Instagram @amirjismael. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Learn more about how we test style and beauty products. Read more Read lessYou can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
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